For Mississippi State WR Jamal Couch, it’s put up or shut up in 2018

Getting off the bus, Mississippi State junior wide receiver Jamal Couch looks the part of a game day stud at wide receiver. He’s 6-4, 223 pounds, runs well, and at first glance you would think this guy is a monster. After all, the Phenix City, AL native is bigger than Ole Miss’ AJ Brown and Deebo Samuel of South Carolina.

Couch was a three star athlete coming out of high school with interest from the likes of Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina and others. Once he arrived on campus, many felt he would be the next De’Runnya Wilson for the Bulldogs.

That hasn’t happened.

In two years as a Bulldog, Couch has only played in 10 games catching a paltry 14 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Couch’s highlights include a two catch performance against Auburn last year tallying 60 yards; his touchdowns have been against Charleston Southern and Brigham Young.

First year head coach Joe Moorhead likes to stretch the field and throw the football and Bulldog fans can expect a more explosive approach offensively than Dan Mullen featured, but there’s one problem – the Bulldogs still lack playmakers at wide receiver. Jesse Jackson is the team’s leading returner with just 27 catches a year ago and he didn’t even find the end zone.

Make no mistake about it, Moorhead needs some Jimmy’s and Joe’s at wide receiver and Couch could be one of those guys. After all, he has the build, the look, and athleticism to be a nice SEC receiver. But, up to this point in his career, that just hasn’t happened and now is as good of a time as any for Couch to find the game many expected of him coming out of high school.

Joe Moorhead is making receiver a priority in the 2019 recruiting class so you should expect better talent in the future at the position. If Couch doesn’t step up and become a leader in 2018, this could be the last you hear his name called.